JP2004038260A - Information processor, information processing method and program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an electronic information processor, information processing method and program being a technology to edit the array of choices by a simple operation even in a limited space being an in-vehicle control part. <P>SOLUTION: A plurality of choices corresponding to any of functions are displayed on a picture with a predetermined array. An operation inputting means for inputting an operation to a desired choice displayed on the picture is provided. The function corresponding to the choice to which a depressing operation within a predetermined time is operated is called through the operation inputting means. The choice to which a depressing operation in the predetermined time or more is operated is moved to the leading of the array through the operation inputting means. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a technique for editing an array of options by a simple operation even in a limited space such as an operation unit in a vehicle, that is, an electronic information processing apparatus, method, and program.
[0002]
[Prior art]
2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, various electronic devices have been miniaturized with the rapid progress of electronic technology, and various electronic information devices such as a car audio device and a car navigation system have been mounted in a limited narrow space in an automobile. In this kind of miniaturized electronic information equipment, the display screen and the operation unit are shared by a touch panel such as a liquid crystal in order to reduce the weight, save power, share space, and improve operability. ing. In this type of device, for example, options of some functions are displayed on a screen by buttons or the like, and the functions can be activated only by touching a desired one with a fingertip.
[0003]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in the above-described conventional technology, the arrangement of each option displayed by buttons or the like on the operation unit is fixed to the one prepared in advance by the manufacturer, and the user cannot freely change it according to his / her preference. There was a problem that it was difficult to improve satisfaction.
[0004]
In recent years, with the spread of personal computers, keys and buttons displayed on the screen can be moved by clicking with the mouse (drag and drop) or cut and pasted (cut and paste) to a desired location. The technology for moving was known. However, it is not suitable for such a mouse operation in a narrow car, and to perform the same operation with a mouse other than the mouse, there are many types of buttons such as moving the cursor up and down, cutting and pasting to the pointing target of the cursor. There is also a problem that the operation is complicated due to the need for keys and keys.
[0005]
The present invention has been proposed in order to solve the above-mentioned problems of the prior art, and its purpose is to edit an array of options by a simple operation even in a limited space of an operation unit in a vehicle. It is to provide a technique, that is, an electronic information processing apparatus, a method, and a program.
[0006]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, the electronic information processing apparatus according to claim 1 displays a plurality of options respectively corresponding to some functions on a screen in a predetermined arrangement, and operates a desired option displayed on the screen. Operation input means for inputting a command, a means for calling a function corresponding to the option pressed within a predetermined time through the operation input means, and a long press for a predetermined time or more through the operation input means. Means for moving the selected option to the head of the array using a computer.
[0007]
An electronic information processing method according to a fifth aspect is a method in which the invention according to the first aspect is grasped from the viewpoint of a method. A plurality of options respectively corresponding to some functions are displayed on a screen in a predetermined arrangement using a computer. An operation to the displayed desired option is received from the operation input means, a function corresponding to the option pressed within a predetermined time is performed through the operation input means, and a predetermined function is called through the operation input means. The option that has been pressed for a long time is moved to the top of the array.
[0008]
An electronic information processing program according to a ninth aspect captures the invention according to the first and fifth aspects from the viewpoint of a computer program. By controlling a computer, a plurality of options respectively corresponding to some functions are arranged in a predetermined arrangement. Display on the screen, accept input of an operation to a desired option displayed on the screen from the operation input means, and call a function corresponding to the option pressed within a predetermined time through the operation input means, The option that has been pressed and held for a predetermined time or more through the operation input means is moved to the top of the array.
[0009]
In these modes, the desired option on the screen can be moved to the top of the array only by a simple operation of long pressing, even in the limited space of the operation unit in the vehicle, so that the array of options can be edited.
[0010]
In addition, the arrangement format of the options is not limited to a list of character strings such as a list in addition to arranging operation buttons and keys vertically and horizontally, for example, starting from the upper left position. The function called in response to the operation on the option may be a simple program routine or an application. Further, the determination as to whether or not the button is long-pressed may be made by measuring the time during which the button is continuously pressed by a timer or the like. Further, the operation input means may be a remote controller or the like other than the touch panel.
[0011]
3. The electronic information processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein a plurality of options respectively corresponding to some functions are displayed on a screen in a predetermined arrangement, and operation input means for inputting an operation to a desired option displayed on the screen. Means for preliminarily selecting an option to be moved through the operation input means by a predetermined operation, and selecting the position of the destination by a long press operation; and moving the option to be moved to the position of the destination. And means for moving are realized using a computer.
[0012]
The electronic information processing method according to claim 6 is a method in which the invention according to claim 2 is grasped from the viewpoint of a method, and displays a plurality of options respectively corresponding to some functions in a predetermined arrangement on a screen using a computer. An operation to a desired option being displayed is received from an operation input unit, and an option to be moved is selected in advance by a predetermined operation through the operation input unit, and a position of the destination is selected by a long-press operation. In this case, the moving option is moved to the destination position.
[0013]
An electronic information processing program according to claim 10 is a computer program in which the invention according to claims 2 and 6 is regarded as a computer program. In the electronic information processing program, a plurality of options respectively corresponding to some functions can be specified by controlling a computer. The screen is displayed in an array, the operation to the desired option displayed on the screen is received from the operation input means, and the option to be moved is selected in advance by a predetermined operation through the operation input means, and the destination of the movement is selected. When a position is selected by a long press operation, the option to be moved is moved to the position of the movement destination.
[0014]
In these modes, even in a limited space such as an operation unit in a car, for a desired option on the screen, only a simple operation of selecting a moving target and long-pressing a moving destination is not only required at the head of the array but also at a desired position Can be edited, so that the array of choices can be edited.
[0015]
According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the electronic information processing apparatus according to the first or second aspect, the operation input means is a touch panel.
[0016]
According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, the invention of the third aspect is grasped from the viewpoint of a method. In the electronic information processing method according to the fifth or sixth aspect, a touch panel is used as the operation input means.
[0017]
In these embodiments, since an operation such as a long press is input from the touch panel, the effect of saving space and increasing operation efficiency can be obtained.
[0018]
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the electronic information processing apparatus according to any one of the first to third aspects, a switch array including a plurality of switches is provided as the operation input unit, and a real-time image of the switch array is obtained. Means for combining and displaying images representing the contents of options corresponding to the respective switches.
[0019]
The invention of claim 8 captures the invention of claim 4 from the viewpoint of a method. In the electronic information processing method according to any one of claims 5 to 7, a plurality of switches are provided as the operation input means. The present invention is characterized in that a real-time image obtained by photographing a switch array is combined with an image representing the content of an option corresponding to each of the switches and displayed using the switch array.
[0020]
In these aspects, by combining the present invention with Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-335330 filed by the present applicant, an image representing the fingertip of the user who actually operates the switch and the content of the option corresponding to the switch is displayed. Can be confirmed, so that operations such as moving options can be performed more safely and easily.
[0021]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Next, embodiments of the present invention (hereinafter, referred to as “embodiments”) will be specifically described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the present embodiment is realized by controlling a computer with a program, and can be grasped not only as a category of an object such as a system or an apparatus but also as a method or a program. Since various modifications are possible, a virtual circuit block that realizes each function of the present invention and the present embodiment is used in the following description.
[0022]
[1. Constitution〕
This device is an in-vehicle car audio system (also referred to as an in-vehicle device), and includes the following elements shown in the functional block diagram of FIG. That is, the CPU 1 is control means for controlling the entire apparatus. The registry 2 is provided in a memory or the like, and stores various settings of the apparatus.
[0023]
The application storage section 3 is a section for storing various application programs corresponding to each operation of various devices. The application storage section 3 corresponds to a hard disk device in a personal computer or the like, but the actual storage medium may be any type such as an SDRAM. . The display order table 4 is composed of a writable memory. In order to display the operation buttons of the operation unit, information on the display order of the operation buttons and keys stored in the registry is temporarily stored, and the display is performed based on the information. Is an information table for performing the above.
[0024]
The signal processing unit 5 is a unit that divides a signal input from the sound source 11 so that the signal can be processed by the audio processing unit and the video processing unit, and performs analog conversion processing of a digital signal. The audio processing unit 6 performs processing for outputting an audio signal from the signal processing unit 5 to the speaker 10. The audio processing unit performs equalization processing in addition to volume adjustment. The video processing unit 7 is a processing unit for performing various displays on the display 9 serving as a display unit. The video processing unit 7 performs display based on a signal from the signal processing unit 5 and display of buttons and keys of a touch portion related to an operation. It is a signal processing unit. The video processing unit 7 also performs processing such as displaying display buttons based on the display order from the display order table.
[0025]
Although the specific type of the sound source 11 is arbitrary, for example, a telephone device 12, a CD-autochanger (A / C) 13, a DVD-ROM player 14, a TV tuner 15, and other devices 16 can be considered. Although each of these devices is shown as an external device in FIG. 1, some or all of these devices may be incorporated in the present apparatus.
[0026]
The display 9 is a liquid crystal display panel, and together with the CPU 1 and the video processing unit 7 controlled by the program, constitutes means for displaying a plurality of options corresponding to some functions on a screen in a predetermined arrangement. . The operation unit 8 is an operation input unit that forms a touch panel integrally with the screen of the display 9 and inputs an operation to a desired option displayed on the screen. The operation unit 8 and the display 9 may be integrated with the vehicle-mounted device, or may be integrated with a speaker. The CPU 1 functions as a unit that performs the following functions under the control of the program.
[0027]
[2. Action)
[2-1. Outline of action)
In the present embodiment, it is common that a function such as an application corresponding to the option is called when an operation of pressing the option on the touch panel within a predetermined time is performed.
[0028]
On the other hand, as a process unique to the present invention, as shown in the example of the operation screen of FIG. 2 and the flowchart of FIG. 3, the option pressed and held for a predetermined time or longer through the touch panel is moved to the head of the array.
[0029]
[2-2. Processing procedure)
Next, the features of the present embodiment will be described more specifically, including the rearrangement of the displayed buttons. That is, as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 3, the CPU 1 first acquires the ID of each application stored in the registry 2 and the order thereof from the registry 2 in order to display a button as an option on the display 9 ( Step 31).
[0030]
Here, a unique ID is assigned to each application. For the order in which the application is actually displayed on each button of the screen by name, abbreviation, picture, etc., the ID of the application is set on a predetermined display order table 4, and according to the order on the display order table 4, The application is displayed by name, abbreviation, picture, etc. as options corresponding to the buttons on the screen.
[0031]
Here, the data of the display order table 4 is initialized, and the ID of each application acquired in step 31 and the order thereof are set in the display order table (step 32). Then, the operation buttons are displayed on the screen based on the data set in the display order table (step 33).
[0032]
Then, when the user wants to change the arrangement of the displayed operation buttons, he puts his finger on the button portion (step 34). Then, the position coordinates of the button or the key touched (touched) are calculated, the button is specified, and the number of the button in the display order table is calculated (step 35). Further, it detects whether or not the finger has separated from the touch panel surface within a predetermined time from the start of the operation of the button or key (step 36). It is activated (step 37).
[0033]
If the key has been depressed even after the elapse of the predetermined time, it is determined whether or not the key is the head (step 38). Then, if the first button or key has been operated, there is no need to move that button, so the process waits until the next user instruction (step 34).
[0034]
On the other hand, if a key other than the first key has been operated (step 38), the designated button or key is moved to the head position (step 39). At this time, the order of display may be changed by setting the order of the instructed buttons as the first (first) in the display order table. Then, the newly determined display order is stored in the registry (step 310).
[0035]
For example, the contents of the display order table 4 are: TEL, 2. TV, 3. When the third key is pressed for a long time when there is a DVD,. DVD, 2. 2. TEL, By replacing them with TV,..., The display can be performed in the newly set display order even at the next startup.
[0036]
Here, FIG. 2 shows a screen example in which the display order is switched by the above operation. That is, FIG. 2A shows an example of the display screen before the order is changed, and the display shown in FIG. 2B is obtained by operating the button indicated by the arrow. Note that, in this example, the first (button) key previously moved by the movement is moved vertically below the same column, but is moved to the right of the same row as the display order is changed. May be.
[0037]
[3. effect〕
As described above, in the present embodiment, a desired option on the screen can be moved to the top of the array with only a simple operation of long pressing even in the limited space of the operation unit in the vehicle. It becomes possible. As a result, if the frequently used options are brought to a position where they can be easily selected, the operation becomes easy and the efficiency is improved.
[0038]
Further, in the present embodiment, since an operation such as a long press is input from the touch panel, effects of space saving and operation efficiency are obtained.
[0039]
[4. Second Embodiment]
Further, a mode in which an option to be moved is preliminarily selected by a predetermined operation through the operation input means, the position of the destination is selected by a long-press operation, and the option to be moved is moved to the position of the destination is also considered. Can be In this way, even in the limited space of the operation unit in the car, for a desired option on the screen, only a simple operation of selecting a target to be moved and long-pressing the destination, not only the top of the array but also the Since the user can move to a desired place, the arrangement of options can be edited.
[0040]
Further, instead of the touch panel, it is also possible to use a separately provided operation unit such as a remote control unit or an operation panel, and to perform an operation by long pressing on a button or key arrangement.
[0041]
An example in which these are combined will be described. For example, on a screen, buttons are arranged in a vertical and horizontal matrix like a numeric keypad of a personal computer. Then, on the operation unit side such as a remote controller, for example, each operation button is previously associated with each option on the screen, and the operation button corresponding to the desired option is pressed, or a joystick or up, down, left, right key operation is performed. Move the brightness or color between choices instead of the cursor.
[0042]
Note that an operation indicating which option is to be operated by changing the color or brightness of the corresponding option on the display screen by an operation such as touching a button is collectively referred to as “focusing”. Then, with the desired option focused on, if the corresponding button is further pressed, pressed again, or the enter button, enter key, or the like is operated, the operation is officially determined.
[0043]
To switch the button arrangement in such an operation mode, the operator presses and holds the operation button at the position to be moved to in the focused state. As a result, the focused button or key moves to the position of the long-pressed option, and the corresponding function or application can be called from that position.
[0044]
[5. Other embodiments]
The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, but includes other embodiments as exemplified below. For example, the present invention is applicable not only to automobiles such as a car audio system but also to various small information devices such as a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant). In addition, the arrangement format of the options is not limited to a list of character strings such as a list, in addition to arranging operation buttons and keys vertically and horizontally, for example, starting from the upper left position. Further, the function called in response to the operation on the option may be a simple program routine or an application. Further, the determination as to whether or not the button is long-pressed may be made by measuring the time during which the button is continuously pressed by a timer or the like.
[0045]
Also, for example, a means for providing a switch array having a plurality of switches as the operation input means and combining and displaying a real-time image of the switch array with an image representing the contents of options corresponding to each switch is provided. It may be provided.
[0046]
In this way, by combining the present invention with Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-335330, which has already been filed by the present applicant, the user's own fingertip actually operating the switch and the contents of the options corresponding to the switch are represented. Since the composite image with the image can be confirmed, it is possible to more safely and easily perform operations such as moving options.
[0047]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a technique for editing an array of options by a simple operation, that is, an electronic information processing apparatus, a method, and a program even in a limited space such as an operation section in a vehicle.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram showing a configuration of an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a view showing a screen display example according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an operation procedure in the embodiment of the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 ... CPU
2 Registry 3 Application storage unit 4 Display order table 5 Signal processing unit 6 Audio processing unit 7 Video processing unit 8 Operation unit 9 Display 10 Speaker 11 Source STEP Each step of the procedure

Claims (10)

Means for displaying a plurality of options respectively corresponding to some function in a predetermined arrangement on a screen,
Operation input means for inputting an operation to a desired option displayed on the screen, and means for calling a function corresponding to the option pressed within a predetermined time through the operation input means;
Means for moving the option pressed and held for a predetermined time or more to the top of the array through the operation input means,
An electronic information processing apparatus characterized in that the above is realized using a computer. Means for displaying a plurality of options respectively corresponding to some function in a predetermined arrangement on a screen,
An operation input unit for inputting an operation to a desired option displayed on the screen, and an option to be moved is selected in advance by a predetermined operation through the operation input unit, and the position of the destination is held by a long press operation. Means for selecting;
Means for moving the option to be moved to the destination position,
An electronic information processing apparatus characterized in that the above is realized using a computer. The electronic information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the operation input unit is a touch panel. A switch array including a plurality of switches is provided as the operation input unit,
The electronic information according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising means for combining and displaying an image representing a content of an option corresponding to each of the switches on a real-time image of the switch array. Processing equipment. Using a computer,
A plurality of options corresponding to each function are displayed on the screen in a predetermined arrangement,
Accepting an operation to a desired option displayed on the screen from the operation input means,
Through the operation input means, call a function corresponding to the option pressed within a predetermined time,
An electronic information processing method, wherein an option pressed and held for a predetermined time or more is moved to the top of the array through the operation input unit. Using a computer,
A plurality of options corresponding to each function are displayed on the screen in a predetermined arrangement,
Accepting an operation to a desired option displayed on the screen from the operation input means,
An option to be moved is selected in advance by a predetermined operation through the operation input unit, and when the position of the destination is selected by a long-press operation, the option to be moved is moved to the position of the destination. An electronic information processing method comprising: 7. The electronic information processing method according to claim 5, wherein a touch panel is used as the operation input unit. A switch array including a plurality of switches is used as the operation input unit,
8. The electronic information processing method according to claim 5, wherein a real-time image of the switch array is combined with an image representing the content of the option corresponding to each of the switches and displayed. By controlling the computer,
A plurality of options corresponding to each function are displayed on the screen in a predetermined arrangement,
An operation to the desired option displayed on the screen is input from the operation input unit, and a function corresponding to the option for which the pressing operation has been performed within a predetermined time is called through the operation input unit,
An electronic information processing program, wherein an option pressed and held for a predetermined time or more is moved to the top of the array through the operation input unit. By controlling the computer,
A plurality of options corresponding to each function are displayed on the screen in a predetermined arrangement,
An operation to a desired option displayed on the screen is received from the operation input unit, and an option to be moved is selected in advance by a predetermined operation through the operation input unit, and the position of the destination is held by a long press operation. An electronic information processing program, wherein, when selected, the option to be moved is moved to the destination position.

Images